Hi! I’m Kathy Ide. In addition to being a published author, I’m a full-time professional freelance editor. For CAN, I’m blogging about "PUGS"–Punctuation, Usage, Grammar, and Spelling…tips for writers based on the most common mistakes I see in the manuscripts I edit. Each blog post will have one tip for each of the four categories. (For more PUGS tips, check out my website, or get a copy of my book Polishing the PUGS (available through the website or at the conferences where I teach). If you’re interested in working with a freelance editor (or know someone who is), e-mail me through the contact page of my website. Or go to the Christian Editor Network to get referrals to other established, professional editorial freelancers. If you’re a freelance editor yourself, or think you might be interested in that field, check out The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network.

PUNCTUATION TIP

Words as Words

Italicize words used as words, or phrases used as phrases.

Examples:

“The word love has many meanings, Amber,” Rob said.

“Is that why the phrase I love you is so hard for you to say?” she retorted.

USAGE TIP

complement/compliment

complement (noun): something that completes

“This book contains a full complement of screenwriting techniques.”

complement (verb): to complete

“That jewelry complements Kristin’s dress.”

“The two coauthors complement each other with their different abilities.”

compliment (noun): flattery or praise

“Arlene enjoyed the compliment Elaine paid her.”

GRAMMAR TIP

myriad

myriad (adjective): innumerable

“Louise looked at the myriad stars in the sky.”

myriad (noun): a great number, or ten thousand

“They encountered a myriad of problems in their relationship.”

“She experienced myriads of difficulties getting her book published.”

NOTE: The noun usage of this word has been criticized in recent years, but Webster’s 11^th claims that it is acceptable.

SPELLING TIP

good night (two words, no hyphen)